What Is Niacinamide and Why Is Everyone Adding It To Their Skin Care Routine

When it comes to the beauty world, there is always a new buzzy ingredient getting tons of attention. While you may want to see what all the hype is about, it’s always smart to make sure the ingredient lines up with your skin care concerns. That’s probably the reason why niacinamide for skin, or vitamin B3 as you may know it, has become a hot commodity. Niacinamide is known for its amazing benefits in regards to reducing visible signs of skin aging and other woes, which makes it easy to see why this ingredient has become so desirable.

If this is your first time hearing about niacinamide, we can help fill you in. Below, we’re giving you the full scoop on what niacinamide is and its benefits. Plus, we’re sharing tips on adding this hyped ingredient to your skin care routine via a serum or moisturizer.

WHAT IS NIACINAMIDE FOR SKIN?

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), niacinamide, which is also known as nicotinamide, is one of two major forms of niacin (vitamin B3). While you may be confused by the concept of niacin vs. niacinamide, it’s not too complicated. Per the NCBI, niacin is the form of vitamin B3 that helps turn the food you eat into energy, while niacinamide is a potent antioxidant used in skin care. The NCBI shares that niacinamide’s potent antioxidant properties help to target the visible appearance of skin aging. In fact, the Mayo Clinic reveals that niacinamide is a common ingredient in anti-wrinkle creams.

HOW DOES NIACINAMIDE BENEFIT YOUR SKIN

Some of the most common beauty concerns are the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne, and an aging visage. Incorporating products formulated with niacinamide into your regimen can help reduce the appearance of these concerns with ease. The NCBI shares that niacinamide can help improve the surface of the skin and smooth the look of wrinkles. In fact, studies in the NCBI library also state that using niacinamide topically on the face can increase the production of ceramides (the lipids that maintain the skin’s protective barrier), which may contribute to its excellent benefits for those with visible wrinkles and fine lines, as well as in maintaining hydration. This is a big reason why you may see niacinamide in various skin care products.

According to the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, researchers tapped 50 Caucasian women all between the ages of 40 and 60 to try a moisturizer formulated with five-percent niacinamide on one half of their face, using a placebo moisturizer on the other half. The results showed that the side of their face that received the niacinamide moisturizer had significant improvements with the look of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, overall texture, and red blotchiness compared to the placebo side. Further, a study from the NCBI revealed that research shows using niacinamide topically could also help to significantly reduce the appearance of acne. Vitamin B3 for skin also comes in handy if you’re battling discoloration such as yellowing (sallowness).

HOW TO INCORPORATE NIACINAMIDE IN YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE

If you’re ready to take your beauty regimen to the next level with niacinamide/vitamin B3 for skin, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn about two ways you can reap niacinamide’s benefits in your routine.

1. USE A MOISTURIZER WITH NIACINAMIDE

A fabulous way to incorporate niacinamide into your regimen is with the help of a moisturizer formulated with the ingredient. Try an offering created to firm and brighten your skin’s appearance, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer Fragrance-Free. This offering will help keep your face soft, supple, and plumped with hydration.

For the daytime, you can use a moisturizer with SPF that’s also formulated with niacinamide. That’s where the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30 comes into play. This pick works to reduce wrinkles, firm and brighten your visage in just one week. After use, the skin will feel smoothed, softer, and refreshed.

2. TRY A SERUM WITH NIACINAMIDE

Niacinamide serums are one of our absolute favorite ways to introduce this ingredient to the skin’s surface. After all, serums are known to be potent products that can help reveal real benefits. See what all the hype is about with the L’Oréal Paris Youth Code Dark Spot Correcting & Illuminating Serum Corrector. This essential helps to fade age spots, dark spots, sun spots, and post-acne marks. It also comes in handy to illuminate your complexion for the maximum level of radiance. In other words, it’s a no-brainer for your routine.

Next: Now that you know all about the wonders of niacinamide, it’s time to expand your knowledge with other note-worthy skin care ingredients. Check out our article, What Can Vitamin E Oil Do For Your Skin?